Study Links American Water Works to High Water Bills in Pennsylvania
What happened
A study found that four of the top 10 most expensive water companies nationwide are located in Pennsylvania. American Water-Pittsburgh, American Water-Lake Scranton, and American Water-West, all associated with American Water Works, generated typical 2025 annual household bills of $1,355. Food & Water Watch stated that corporate control is driving these costs up. In response, Democratic Rep. Danilo Burgos proposed a one-year moratorium on the privatization of public water and sewer systems in the state.
From sungazette.com
Why it matters
The report suggests that corporate control over water systems is leading to significantly higher consumer costs compared to the national average. This has prompted calls for legislative action, including repealing a 2016 law that changed how municipal water and sewer values are determined when sold to for-profit companies.
Food & Water Watch and the American Water Works Association previously analyzed rising water bills across the nation and estimated infrastructure needs for US water systems.
From sungazette.com
Who's involved
- American Water WorksCompany operating water systems within Pennsylvania, linked to high-cost utilities.
- PennsylvaniaState where the high-cost water utilities operate and where legislative action is being discussed.
- Food & Water WatchAdvocacy group that produced the study and highlighted water privatization issues.
- HouseLegislator who proposed a bill to place a moratorium on water privatization.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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American Water Works
company
Nothing else this week.
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Pennsylvania
state of the United States of America
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Food & Water Watch
organization